Because Ryker’s still here.
Still leaning back in his chair with that easy smile, making no move to leave. His eyes track Violet as she organizes her notes.
He’s waiting for everyone else to leave. Waiting to get her alone.
Sarah calls out, “Have a good weekend, Darius.”
I nod without seeing her.
Marcus makes a joke about happy hour. Laughter fades down the hallway.
The room empties. But I stay rooted in place, shuffling through the same documents, my jaw clenched so tight, it aches.
Violet focuses on gathering her things. Her tablet. Her folder. Her pen. Like she doesn’t notice both Ryker and I are still here. Like she doesn’t feel the tension crackling in the air.
The door swings shut behind the last analyst. The room goes quiet.
Violet reaches for her bag.
Ryker pushes off from his chair.
Every muscle in my body locks.
“Violet.” His voice is smooth. Easy.
She looks up, her expression polite but distant. “Yes?”
“I wanted to catch you before you left.” He movestoward her, stopping near her chair. Close. Too close. “You really saved me back there. I would’ve looked like an idiot if you hadn’t corrected me.”
My fingers tighten on the papers in my hand, crumpling them.
Violet gives him a small, professional smile. “It was nothing. Just doing my job.”
“Still.” Ryker leans against the table now, angling his body toward her. Casual. Comfortable. “I meant what I said. You clearly have a deep understanding of the alliance structures. I’d love to pick your brain sometime.”
I should leave. Should walk out before I lose control. But my feet won’t move. Not while he’s looking at her like she’s something he wants to own.
Violet starts to respond, but Ryker continues, his voice dropping to a warmer level. “There’s this great coffee place a few blocks from here. Quiet. Good for conversation.” He tilts his head, that smile widening. “What do you say? Tomorrow morning, maybe? Or lunch if that works better.”
My vision tunnels. All I can see is him. Standing too close. Smiling like he has any right. Like she’s not…
MINE.
The pen in my hand breaks in two with a loud crack. The sound cuts through the air like a gunshot.
Both of them snap their eyes to me.
I glance down. Black ink is leaking across my palm and dripping onto the papers. Onto the polished table.
“Unfortunately,” I say, my voice cold despite the rage burning through my veins, “Violet has a very full schedule tomorrow. And for the foreseeable future.”
Ryker lifts one eyebrow. “I’m sure she can speak for herself—”
“She’s working on the Silverwood project.” I set down the broken pen with deliberate care, ignoring my stained fingers. “Under my direct supervision. It requires her full attention.”
Violet’s eyes flash at me, but I keep my gaze locked on Ryker.
“In fact,” I continue, my voice dropping lower, “I need her to staybehind. We have urgent matters to discuss regarding the alliance protocols.”
